On Saturday before the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half, Kevin and I met up with some friends to pick up our packets and check out the booths at the expo. My first time at a large running expo taught me one thing: You can find some crazy deals on gear. I’m talking socks for 20% off, shoes for half price, buy-1-get-1 free clothing deals, and as many samples of nutritional supplements as you can eat.
Here’s what I managed to find:
Ultimate Running Belt from iFitness — Made with moisture-wicking (supposedly; I was pretty sweaty under the belt after the race), water-resistant material, the running belt holds everything I need for a race: ShotBloks, my license, cash, and tissues. (I used the cell phone holder as a tissue barrel; it was awesome.) The bonus of course is that I don’t look incredibly dorky wearing this thing. I’m pretty sure my race number also attaches to the belt, but I didn’t have a chance to figure that out before the race. I love how the belt stayed in place during the race, although it did hike my shorts up to an almost uncomfortable level.
Moisture-wicking headband from bondiband — I haven’t worn this yet, but I’m told that unlike other sports headbands, this one stays put as long as part of it touches your forehead. The bands come in sold colors, patterns, with bling, and with a variety of inspirational messages. I chose a pink one with a great message: Suck it up, Cupcake!
injinji ToeSocks — I haven’t worn these yet because I’m still resting, but I love the idea of these socks. Confession: Sometimes when I’m running, my toes feel like they are crushed together. I just want to kick off my shoes and have a this-little-piggy moment. (Before you laugh too hard, consider that I have issues with my toenails bleeding on long runs.) If these socks work as they should, I won’t have to embarrass myself on the trail.
And here are the free goodies: a technical shirt and my finisher’s medal (the first one!) from the race, a Brooks bumper sticker, the coveted 13.1 sticker that Kevin bought for me a while back but has been holding for ransom, and a Brooks bandana for Lincoln.
